By Malcolm Mulholland. Published by Aotearoa Books, 2022. (NZD 45). Reviewed by Makareta Tawaroa
Last year St Joseph's Māori Girls’ College in Napier celebrated 150 years of Catholic education of Māori Girls in Aotearoa New Zealand. It’s the only school with this distinction and is a jewel in the crown of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions.
Māori Marist missioner Euloge Reignier began St Joseph’s Providence on Napier Hill before giving it into the care of the Sisters in 1867 who turned it into the College. Their founder Euphrasie Barbier wanted her Sisters to devote themselves to teaching women and children in non-Christian countries.
St Joseph’s holds a special place in the hearts of many Māori families across the country. Five generations of a family from Ranana have been through the College. Many of my own cousins attended St Joseph’s. Some former students joined the Sisters of the Missions — Mary Katarina, Mary Joseph and Marie Chanel. Principal Dame Georgina Kingi and staff continue to ensure the College and their students achieve well.
This is a wonderful book, jam-packed with photographs, memories and stories. It would have particular interest to those in Māori education and those looking for the best education for their daughters.
Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 279 March 2023: 28